AAA: Expect gasoline prices to increase in April

The price of gasoline declined in March but is expected to increase in April, according to an analysis by AAA.

Staff report

The price of gasoline declined in March but is expected to increase in April, according to an analysis by AAA.

"Positive economic news and signs of increased U.S. demand [recently] pushed oil prices to a six-week high and, if the momentum continues, gas prices will go right back up," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman for The Auto Club Group, in its weekly Fuel Price Brief.

In March, the national monthly average was $3.70 for a gallon of regular gasoline, compared to $3.83 in March 2012. Last April, the average price peaked at $3.93.

On Monday, the national average price for a gallon was $3.634, down from $3.667 a week earlier, according to AAA. The average price in Florida was $3.636, down about 4 cents from the previous Monday.

In Gainesville, prices ranged from a low of $3.54 a gallon to $3.89, according to www.gasbuddy.com. In Ocala, they ranged from $3.51 to $3.79.